GOVERNMENT says it intends to make athletes start paying taxes.

Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary, Kangwa Chileshe says the Sports Policy which was launched in 2024, contains plans to tax the sportsmen and women.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, Chileshe said  the move is meant for athletes to significantly contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

The Permanent Secretary also said the Government is trying to come up with incentives for athletes that will be easy for them to be comfortable even when their sports careers come to an end.

Chileshe added that social security, pension schemes and access to finance for athletes among others are some of the developments the Government is intending to implement as the Ministry implements the Sports Policy.

He said the ministry will push for the establishment of a legislative framework that will support sports development in the country.

Meanwhile, Chileshe said the ministry is ready to support all sports in the country even away from non-traditional disciplines like football and boxing.

He cited the ministry receiving a proposal from unnamed individuals on the possibility of setting up a Formula One circuit in Zambia, as an example of sporting disciplines the government is willing to support.